Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
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Dedication
The Marianapolis multi-purpose field and track was dedicated to longtime coach and athletic director Eric Gustavson. Photos courtesy of Cos Quercia.
By Ron P. Coderre
Marianapolis Prep in Thompson used its 90th Anniversary Alumni weekend to honor a longtime coach and athletic director for his dedication to students and athletes by naming the recently completed $2 million multi-purpose field and track in his honor.
Surrounded by more than 300 friends, family, school administration and Board, as well as returning alumni Eric Gustavson cut the ribbon officially naming the facility, Gustavson Track and Field Complex.
In 1982 fresh out of Ohio Wesleyan University, Gustavson arrived on the Marianapolis campus and immediately made his mark at the private Roman Catholic prep school. Hired to teach history, he was asked to also coach the soccer team and shortly thereafter to head up the athletic programs as the Golden Knights Director of Athletics.
During his 34 year tenure he’s become a beloved teacher to all the students who have passed through his classroom. On the soccer field he amassed 347 victories, while losing only 200 games and tying 75. In 1986 when he was promoted to director of Athletics the school had 200 students and offered about a dozen athletic programs. Today the school boasts 400 students and approximately 50 athletic offerings to its student athletes.
In announcing the naming of the complex, Marianapolis Head-of-School Joseph Hanrahan referred to Gustavson as, “a bona fide Marianapolis icon.”
“Eric isn’t retiring. He’ll continue in the classroom and move into our Institutional Advancement and Development department. He is so well known and loved by our alumni we know he’ll be a positive addition and success,” said Hanrahan.
Overcome with emotion as Assistant Head-of-School Karen Tata and Director of Institutional Advancement Susan Andersen unveiled the dedicatory plaque Gustavson, upon composing himself said, “This is a glorious day.”
“ ‘To whom much is given, much is expected’ and I’ve tried to live up to that saying in all that I’ve done at Marianapolis,” said Gustavson.
After thanking many people and recognizing his wife and family, Gustavson concluded by saying, “The ride has been fun.”
The dedication concluded with prayers and a blessing by Gustavson’s close friend and associate Father Tim Roth, a member of the faculty and a Marian priest. As Gustavson cut the ceremonial ribbon, Father Roth sprinkled the track and field and the beloved son of Marianapolis, Eric Gustavson with holy water.
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Monday: No school --- Memorial Day.
Woodstock public schools
Tuesday: Pizza, cucumber cups, fruit. Chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit. Thursday: Taco salad, refried beans, fruit. Friday: Grilled cheese, tomato soup, carrots, fruit.
Pomfret Community
Tuesday: Grilled cheese sandwiches, carrot snacks, baked beans, fruit. Wednesday: French toast sticks, turkey sausage, hash browns, veggie cups, Teddy Grahams. Thursday: Mr. Fox's stromboli, veggie cups/dip, fruit. Friday: Crispy chicken patties on rolls, carrot snacks, baked Doritos, fruit, dessert.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Tuesday: Chicken Parm, roasted vegetables. Wednesday: Ziti with meatballs, broccoli. Thursday: Putnam Special Pizza, salad. Friday - Wolf Meal: Beef burgers plain or with cheese, sherbet.
Putnam High
Tuesday: Clipper Burgers, cole slaw, sherbet. Wednesday: Tex-Mex beef tacos, Spanish rice with black beans, Mexicali corn. Thursday: Stuffed potato bowls. Friday: Homemade calzones, salad.
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The Arc
celebrates
WOODSTOCK — May 6 The Arc Quinebaug Valley celebrated an evening of appreciation at their Annual Meeting & Awards Night. In attendance were more than 200 family members, friends, community supporters, staff and participants in their many programs that support individuals with intellectual, developmental and other life-affecting disabilities.
The theme of the evening focused on fortitude. As The Arc continues to face funding cutbacks for this fiscal year, as well as the year to come, the agency continues to stand strong, grow and provide meaningful programs and services for the individuals they serve.
Executive Director, Susan Desrosiers said, “We are extremely thankful to have such an amazing staff, as well as exceptional community members, who continue to support this agency in various ways. We are a team and everyone is valued for their unique assets. For over 60 years, The Arc has been a lifeline for individuals with life- affecting disabilities and their families. The Arc has truly been blessed by such a positive light that surrounds us and we always look forward to celebrating our many accomplishments over the year at Awards Night.”
Receiving awards that evening included Michael Gormley for the Spirit Award, Misty Bennett for the Dove Award for her advocacy efforts, and Volunteer Awards were given to both Lisa Barrette and Bruce Kohl for all of their help at the agency. Marcy Dawley, Tedd Hudon, Loretta Daigneault and the entire staff at The Arc’s CLA Tamarack home all received Special Appreciation Awards for their positive efforts to enhance services at The Arc in a professional and personal capacity. Dawn Lazaroff received The Norma Cassettari Award for her commitment to the Mission of The Arc. Warren Robbins was presented the Ronald D. Johnson Memorial Award for his courage, strength and determination this past year. Achievement Awards were given to Lacy Fuller, Emily Garrity, Randy Skidgel, Stephen Pliska and Mary Van Dyne. Michael Milette was presented the Everett O’Keefe Award and Fred Decoster was given the Self Advocacy Award. From the community, Linemaster Switch Corporation was awarded the Community Partnership Award for their years of partnership with The Arc. Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc. received the Community Support Award for their continued support and generosity to the agency. Employer Awards were given to Putnam Walmart Supercenter & The Crossings Restaurant & Brew Pub for providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in a work environment. Leslie Simoes, Executive Director of The Arc Connecticut, received a Special Recognition Award for her advocacy work in promoting the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for many years.
Other staff recognized included Crystal Simonson, Charlotte Fisk, Maggie Bonner, Kayla Deskus, Mary Ferreira, Amelia Leon, Bryan Perrino and Chastity Walsh.
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Wed. May 25
Fun Run
W. THOMPSON --- The West Thompson Dam Fun Run will run through Sept. 14 starting at 6:15 p.m. at the West Thompson Dam Entrance on Ravenelle Road. Distance is 3.1 and 1.44 miles. Free. All welcome. Free T-shirt once three events are completed. mayer.robert @sbcglobal.net.
Sun. May 29
Library Program
N. GROSVENORDALE --- The Thompson Public Library will present a talk on local trails by the Thompson Trails Committee at 6:30 p.m. at the library on Riverside Drive. 860-923-9779.
Mon. May 30
Road Race
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Memorial Day 10K Road Race will begin with registration from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. at the Woodstock Academy Fieldhouse. Race starts at 9. $20 preregistration fee (received by May 16). This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Memorial Day Parade
EASTFORD --- The Eastford Memorial Day Parade will begin at the Eastford Elementary School at 9:30 a.m. Immediately following the parade, a Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at the Veteran's Memorial. Memorial services and military salutes will be held at the General Lyon Cemetery at 8:30 a.m. and the Grove Cemetery at 9 a.m. All welcome.
Memorial Day Parade
POMFRET --- The Town of Pomfret Memorial Day Parade will start at 10 a.m. at the site of the First Congregational Church of Pomfret and proceed down Pomfret Street/Rt. 44 to the Town Green where a short ceremony will take place.
Memorial Day Parade
PUTNAM ---The Putnam Memorial Day Parade will step off from Grove Street at 10 a.m. and end at Rotary Park where there will be a speaking program and veterans program. Free hot dogs while they last cooked by Putnam VFW 1523 Men’s Auxiliary. Any organization that would like to take part can pick up forms at VFW or WINY Radio. Public welcome.
Tues. May 31
Exercise Group
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Senior Exercise Group will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Woodstock Town Hall lower level meeting room. Free for all Woodstock senior citizens 60 and older. 860-974-1050.
Caregivers Group
PUTNAM --- Saint Philip's Church on Grove Street will host a new support group for people providing care or support for a loved one or working in a care profession from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Meeting room is downstairs at rear of church on Pleasant St. Light refreshments and fellowship at 6:30 p.m. Free: 860-928-3510.
Financial Program
KILLINGLY --- The Veterans Coffeehouse and Killingly Parks and Recreation will present a discussion on Preventing Elder Financial Abuse led by Paul Grenier of Putnam Bank at 9:15 a.m. at the Killingly Community Center Auditorium. 860-774-9286.
Fri. June 3
Golf Tournament
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Ronald P. Coderre Golf Tournament fund-raiser at the Connecticut National Golf Club.
First Fridays
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association will present First Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. downtown. This month the theme is "The Windy City. Chicago."
Sat. June 4
Farmers Market
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Saturday Farmers Market open today at the Pavilion on Kennedy Drive and runs each Saturday through Oct. 29.
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open House will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. June 4 and June 5 on Taft Pond Road. An informational panel for parents on the benefits of the camp will be held from 1:30 to 2 p.m. June 4.
Auction/Dinner
DAYVILLE --- The Killingly Grange No. 112 on Rt. 101 will hold a silent auction and roast pork dinner. Doors open 4:30 p.m. and dinner runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. 860-481-9102.
Free Tours
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage offers free tours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last tour at 4 as part of Historic New England’s Open House day. Memberships in Historic New England will be available at greatly reduced rates on that day. 860 928-4074
Bottle Drive
DAYVILLE --- Pet Pals Northeast, a local animal welfare organization, will be collecting redeemable bottles and cans to help homeless and needy animals from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Church on Rt. 101. Dry cat food needed, Purina brands preferred. Cash donations always welcome. 860-317-1720.
Trails Day
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust will take part in CT Trails Day with a tour of the Spalding/Rapoport preserve from 10 to 11:30 a.m. wyndhamlandtrust.org.
Mon. June 6
Program
PLAINFIELD --- The Deborah Avery Putnam Chapter NSDAR will present a program, “Choices” with speaker Norman Berman at 6:30 p.m. at the Plainfield Senior Center on Norwich Road. RSVP: 860-428-0882.
Senior Meeting
POMFRET CENTER --- The Pomfret Senior Association will hold its monthly meeting at noon at the Pomfret Senior and Community Center on Mashamoquet Road. The luncheon will be an Italian theme. Members are asked to bring a dish or dessert to share. RSVP to Gail by Friday June 3: 860-974-0426.
Wed. June 8
Training
KILLINGLY --- Northeast Communities Against Substance Abuse (NECASA) will be holding a training from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to train family members and friends of opioid users on the use of Narcan( Naloxone). Due to limited seating, attendees need to register with NECASA: 860-779-9253.
Thur. June 9
Senior Program
EASTFORD --- The Eastford Senior Citizens will present a program on honeybees at the town hall, lower level. A buffet will be served at 11 a.m. $4 for members and $7 for nonmembers. RSVP at 860-538-8868.
Sat. June 11
Bike Ride
PUTNAM --- The 2016 IHSP Bell Tower Spring Classic Bike Ride fund-raiser will be held today. There are three routes.
Textile Show
WILLIMANTIC --- The Mill Museum – Windham Textile & History Museum on Main Street, will present Quilting and Fiber Arts demo and lecture from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations to benefit the museum: $10 for adults; $5 for kids. 860-456-2178.
Dinner
CANTERBURY --- A pasta dinner and silent auction fund-raiser at Finnish American Heritage Society on N. Canterbury Road will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. For 3-year old battling Chronic Granulomatous disease. $12 for adults; $6 for kids 12 and younger. 860-377-0789
Particle Accelerator
PUTNAM --- The 10th anniversary Particle Accelerator event will be held from noon to 11 p.m. at Rotary Park. It raises awareness and funds to support United Services, Inc.
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Rectory Visit
Students from the Rectory School in Pomfret visited Putnam Mayor Anthony Falzarano and the Putnam Town Hall recently. Left to right: Brad Seward, Bailey, Anthony, Mayor Falzarano, Dominic, Noah. Courtesy photo.